Breaking the barriers of monolingualism in music
Graphic by Juanita Olaya.
Latinx identity is an essential part of American culture in many ways. American-born bilingual artists have a unique role in their culture and the general culture they influence with their art. Artists like Omar Apollo, Kali Uchis, La Goony Chonga and Paloma Mami, among many others, stand at the forefront of a movement that celebrates Latino identity in the United States, using their dual linguistic talents as a tool and a powerful statement of identity.
Omar Apollo was born to Mexican parents in Indiana; his music is a soulful blend of R&B, funk and pop. His music reflects his journey of growing up and navigating the complexities of identity that come with being part of two cultures. Growing up, Apollo danced ballet folklórico and was part of the Catholic Church choir. Still, he also had heavy American musical influence, listening to artists like Nirvana, Lauryn Hill and Prince while growing up. Apollo’s bilingual lyrics resonate with a generation of Latinos who see themselves in his journey, offering them an authentic and relatable voice. Through his art, Apollo illustrates the beauty of bilingualism, showing that language can connect more deeply with one’s heritage while engaging with a broader audience.
One artist who fluidly moves between English and Spanish in her music is Kali Uchis, and she truly embodies the spirit of being brought up in a multicultural household. Her sound, a dreamy mix of soul, reggae and pop, defies easy categorization, much like her identity. Colombian-American Kali Uchis uses her platform to explore themes of independence, resilience and femininity, drawing from her own life as a testament to the strength of Latinx women. Using English and Spanish lyrics is more than a feature of her music; it is a declaration of self, a way to claim space in the Latinx and broader American musical spaces.
Cuban-American rapper La Goony Chonga brings the vibrant streets of Miami to your ears through trap and reggaeton beats. Her music, often characterized by its provocative lyrics, serves as a statement of her Cuban heritage and her identity as a Latina in the U.S. La Goony Chonga’s bilingual lyricism is not just a challenge to stereotypes but a call to empowerment, encouraging her listeners to embrace their culture with pride. In an interview with Deren Owji for Office magazine, she says that being a Chonga “is a lifestyle, and a reminder of who I am and where I come from… it’s something that has stuck with me my whole life.” Chonga is a term mainly used in South Florida and it describes a sexually liberated, sassy, and emotionally expressive young woman.
The Chilean-American artist Paloma Mami, born in New York, has carved a niche with hits that cross linguistic and cultural boundaries, captivating audiences in the U.S. and Latin America. Paloma Mami’s music, which includes smooth R&B tones and urban beats, is a testament to her ability to navigate and unite diverse musical worlds.
In an interview with GRAMMY.com, she expressed her enthusiasm for the increasing presence of Spanish music on U.S. radio over the past five years, representing a significant market shift. She shared her ambition for her music to bridge English and Spanish-speaking audiences without being confined to a specific cultural label. Her bilingual lyrics reflect her own experience of a bicultural upbringing, resonating with young listeners who share a similar background.
The influence of these artists is not tied to only the realm of music; they are also actively shaping the narrative around the Latinx identity in the United States. By choosing to express themselves in both English and Spanish, these artists challenge the monolingual norm and celebrate the richness of bilingualism. They represent a generation unapologetically proud of its heritage, using their platforms to highlight the diversity of the Latinx community and push back against the homogenization of culture.
In a country where Latinos have often been marginalized, bilingual artists like Omar Apollo, Kali Uchis, La Goony Chonga, and Paloma Mami play a transformative role. They are redefining what it means to be American, not just through their music but also through their journeys. Their music is not just entertainment; it’s a bridge for understanding and a platform for empowerment. They demonstrate that Latinx identity is multifaceted, dynamic and integral to the American story. In doing so, they inspire others to embrace their identities, speak in their voices and contribute their unique experience to the ever-evolving American identity. We can see this in the number of new young artists who are coming to rise and their use of their first languages in their art.